Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks

5.0 · 671 reviews 6 hours (approx.) From $78 Operated by Rhodes Sea Lines · Bookable on Viator
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Three beautiful bays make this six-hour catamaran cruise a strong choice for a sunny day in Rhodes. You leave from Mandraki Marina at 10:00 a.m., swim in clear Mediterranean water, use the boat’s snorkel gear, and eat Greek food without paying extra for each drink or snack.

I especially like the friendly crew and the generous food schedule, which includes donuts and coffee, hot dogs, Greek BBQ, and waffles. The main caution is the seating: the lower deck has tables and benches, while the upper-deck bean bags cost extra and can make a major difference on a hot, crowded day.

The Best Parts Of The Cruise

Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks - The Best Parts Of The Cruise

  • Three one-hour swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach each offer a different setting.
  • Greek food served throughout the day: Expect donuts, hot dogs, souvlakia, salad, tzatziki, bread, and waffles.
  • Unlimited drinks: Beer, wine, soft drinks, iced frappe, and simple cocktails are included.
  • Snorkeling equipment on board: Masks, snorkels, noodles, and life vests help less-confident swimmers enjoy the stops.
  • Upper-deck bean bags: Paying extra for this seating can give you a more comfortable place to sunbathe or find shade.
  • A sociable boat atmosphere: Music, swimming, food, and an upbeat crew make this more of a party day than a quiet sailing trip.

What You Get For $78.60

Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks - What You Get For $78.60

At $78.60 per person, this is not simply a boat ride. It is a full six-hour outing with transport by sea, three swimming stops, food, drinks, equipment, and staff on hand during the swim periods.

That bundle gives the cruise good value, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, and a beach transfer. The food is not a formal restaurant meal, but the Greek BBQ includes chicken or other meat skewers, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread. The repeated snack service also keeps the day from turning into six hours of waiting for lunch.

The drinks are generous rather than luxurious. You get beer, wine, soft drinks, iced frappe, and cocktails, but do not expect a long cocktail menu or premium spirits. One disappointed customer described the beer as a single type served in cans, with cask wine and juice-heavy cocktails. If you want a polished cocktail-bar experience, this is not it. If you want cold drinks available during a long day in the sun, the arrangement works well.

The price also needs to be viewed alongside the seating. The standard lower deck has tables and wooden benches. The upper deck has bean bags, with sunny and shaded areas, but this requires an additional payment. Several people felt the upper deck transformed the day, while one person who expected a reserved shaded place found the boarding process disorganized and spent the trip in direct sun.

I would treat the bean bag upgrade as more than a luxury if you dislike hard benches or struggle with heat. Ask clearly what is included in your booking, and do not assume that booking early automatically guarantees a particular shaded place unless the operator confirms it.

A few more Rhodes half-days to weigh up

Leaving Mandraki Marina At 10:00

Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks - Leaving Mandraki Marina At 10:00

The cruise begins at Rhodes Sea Lines, at Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. The boat returns to the same meeting point after the six-hour outing, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the coast.

The departure area has several booths, and finding the correct reception desk can be confusing. Give yourself extra time and look for the Rhodes Sea Lines desk rather than simply waiting at the pier. One person missed the boat after receiving unclear directions and having trouble locating the meeting point, so this is worth taking seriously.

Hotel transfer is not automatically included unless you choose that option. If you do not select a transfer, the operator says you can arrange one by contacting them on WhatsApp. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the cruise is also practical for anyone already staying in or near Rhodes Town.

The boat can take up to 75 people. That is a sizable group, though the layout and upper deck can help prevent the experience from feeling packed. The mood is social, not intimate. You will have music, people moving between decks, and plenty of conversation around the food and swimming areas.

Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes’ Famous First Swim

Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks - Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes’ Famous First Swim

Anthony Quinn Bay is one of the visual highlights of the day. It takes its name from actor Anthony Quinn, who appeared in The Guns of Navarone and Zorba the Greek. Some scenes from The Guns of Navarone were filmed in this area, adding a small film connection to an already photogenic stop.

The bay is known for clear water, rocky edges, and strong color in the sea. You get about an hour here, enough time to swim, use a mask and snorkel, or simply float beside the boat. Several people singled out this bay as their favorite, especially for the underwater views and the clear water.

Do not expect a long sandy-beach visit. The attraction is the cove and the water, not a traditional beach afternoon with loungers and shops. You may be swimming from the boat in deeper water, so the provided noodles and life vests matter if you are not a confident swimmer.

The crew’s attention during the swim stops is one of the best parts of the operation. A nervous swimmer described being encouraged gently by a crew member named Vamos, who checked on them in the water and celebrated when they completed the swim. That kind of personal help can make a real difference, though you should still judge your own comfort and ability.

Kallithea Springs For A Quieter Hour

Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks - Kallithea Springs For A Quieter Hour

Kallithea Springs provides another pretty bay, with a quieter feel than Anthony Quinn Bay. The exact order of the stops can vary, but Kallithea is included as one of the main swimming breaks and receives about an hour.

The appeal here is the pause. After the first period of music, food, and people getting settled, a quieter bay can feel calmer. You still swim from the boat and enjoy the water, but the stop is less about a famous name and more about the setting.

The cruise schedule may include food around this part of the route. The supplied meal plan begins with sweet donuts and coffee, followed by a hot dog service, then the main Greek BBQ later in the day. A detailed schedule described donuts during the early sailing and hot dogs after a swimming stop, but the exact timing can change with the route.

This is a useful point for anyone prone to seasickness. The boat spends about three hours cruising between Rhodes Town, the bays, and the harbor. If moving boats bother you, bring suitable medication and stay aware of how much time you spend looking down while eating or drinking.

Same stretch of coastline, a completely different day out:

Traganou Beach And Its 30-Metre Caves

Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks - Traganou Beach And Its 30-Metre Caves

Traganou Beach gives the cruise its most distinctive swimming feature. The stop includes caves said to reach about 30 metres in depth, with a tiny beach at the far end.

This is the place to bring your mask and snorkel if you want more than a quick swim beside the catamaran. The caves create a sense of exploration without turning the outing into a difficult expedition. You can swim toward them, look into the darker water, and reach the small beach if conditions and your swimming ability allow.

The water can be deeper than some people expect at these stops. This is not a shallow-water beach club, and the boat may remain offshore. Use the noodles or life vests if you need support, and listen closely to the crew’s safety instructions.

Descriptions of the third stop sometimes refer to the Faliraki area, while the main route identifies Traganou Beach. The practical lesson is simple: expect a final swimming stop along this section of the Rhodes coast, with clear water and a cave setting rather than a long stay on dry land.

Food Arrives In Several Rounds

Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks - Food Arrives In Several Rounds

The food schedule is one of the cruise’s strongest features. You are not handed one basic lunch and left to manage the rest of the day.

The day begins with sweet donuts and coffee. A hot dog service follows, useful after the first swim. Lunch is the main Greek BBQ, with meat skewers, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread. On the return journey, waffles with chocolate sauce provide a final sweet snack.

The portions are described as plentiful, and the freshly prepared chicken skewers and tzatziki receive especially strong praise. The meal is casual and served in the boat’s social setting, so do not expect a quiet, sit-down dining experience. You may be eating at a shared table while music plays and other people move around the deck.

Vegetarian or allergy information is not provided in the tour details. If you have dietary restrictions, contact Rhodes Sea Lines before booking rather than assuming the standard BBQ can be changed.

Drinks are available throughout the cruise. Beer, wine, soft drinks, iced frappe, and cocktails are part of the package. This is handy because a six-hour boat outing under the Rhodes sun creates a constant need for water and refreshment, though the information does not specify bottled water separately.

Upper Deck Comfort Versus Lower Deck Function

Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks - Upper Deck Comfort Versus Lower Deck Function

The boat’s seating can shape your entire day. The lower deck is practical, with benches and tables, but it may feel dull if you want to sunbathe or enjoy an open view. The upper deck bean bags are more comfortable and offer a choice between sun and some shade.

Several people felt the bean bags were worth the extra money, comparing them to a first-class upgrade. That comparison is understandable: you get a more relaxed place to stretch out instead of sitting upright on a bench for hours.

The upper deck can also become extremely hot. One person had to retreat to the lower deck for relief, while another reported heat exhaustion after spending too long in direct sunlight. Bring a hat, high-factor sunscreen, and water, and use the shaded or lower areas before you feel overheated.

The music adds energy, but it may not suit everyone. It plays for much of the day, and one person found the volume and occasional explicit lyrics intrusive. If you want a quiet sail with only the sound of the sea, choose another type of boat outing. If you like a friendly, party-leaning atmosphere, the soundtrack will probably suit you.

Swimming Safety And Who Will Enjoy It

Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks - Swimming Safety And Who Will Enjoy It

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, since the boat carries snorkels, masks, noodles, and life vests. Still, the water can be deep, and swimming is a central part of the day. If you are anxious, tell a crew member before entering the water.

The staff receive especially strong praise for being friendly, encouraging, and alert around swimmers. They give safety instructions and watch for boats, rocks, and other hazards. That does not remove the need for personal caution, but it makes the swim stops feel better managed.

I would recommend this cruise to:

  • Couples and friends wanting a full day on the water
  • Families with confident swimmers and older children
  • People who like social music and meeting others
  • Anyone seeking several swim stops without arranging separate transport
  • Visitors who value included food and drinks
  • Nervous swimmers who appreciate flotation equipment and crew support

I would be more cautious if you want a silent sailing trip, shallow water, a private boat, or a guaranteed shaded seat. The maximum group size is 75, and the experience is built around swimming, food, music, and a lively shared atmosphere.

Booking Details And Cancellation

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep it on your phone. The tour is offered in English, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the 10:00 a.m. start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cruise also depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should You Book This Rhodes Cruise?

Book it if you want a cheerful, well-fed day of swimming with three attractive coastal stops and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the crew, the steady food service, the clear water, and the chance to try snorkeling without hiring equipment separately.

Before paying, decide about the seating upgrade. If you are sensitive to heat or want to stretch out, the upper-deck bean bag may be money well spent. If you are happy with a bench and plan to spend more time in the lower deck, the base price remains solid value.

This is not a quiet luxury cruise, and it is not a beach tour where you spend the day walking onto sandy shores. It is a lively catamaran outing with swimming from the boat, music, Greek BBQ, and a crew that works hard to keep the mood friendly and safe. For that kind of Rhodes day, it earns its strong 4.8 rating and 95 percent recommendation.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Rhodes Sea Lines at Platia Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours, including sailing time and the three swimming stops.

Where does the cruise finish?

It returns to the original meeting point at Rhodes Sea Lines.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Included food consists of donuts and coffee, a hot dog service, Greek BBQ with meat skewers, Greek salad, tzatziki and bread, plus waffles with chocolate sauce. Drinks include beer, wine, soft drinks, iced frappe, and cocktails.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat also provides noodles and life vests.

Which bays does the cruise visit?

The stated stops are Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach. Each swimming stop lasts about one hour.

Is hotel transportation included?

Hotel transfer is only included if you choose that option. If you do not choose it, the operator says you can arrange a transfer by contacting them on WhatsApp.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

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